Suunto vs Liquivision...advice plz?

[buddhasummer]

why is the d series so much more expensive than a vyper?

Often smaller is more expensive to make. I imagine materials used also change the price, metal/glass vs plastic. I don't like the D series, too small for my aging eyes. I also don't like that the battery in the D series aren't really/easily user replaceable. Like others have said unless you have your heart set on AI and money to burn I'd pass on both, buy a Zoop, put it in a DSS bungee mount and go on a diving holiday with the not unsubstantial money you saved. If you want some future proofing but want to stay with Suunto buy a standard Vyper (not Air) you will still save a truck load of money and if you get into to tech it can be used in gauge mode. Good luck with your decision.

 

[TSandM]

I'd say the single biggest difference is the OLED display. Imagine being able to see your gauge in dim light or darkness without having to back light it or shine your dive light on it! Imagine your buddy (or the DM) being able to see it without even having to ask you. And of course, knowing your buddy's pressure (if he has one, too) and the direction back to the anchor line (if you have a transmitter on it) are pretty cool things, too.

And having had to deal with customer service from Suunto and LV, I can tell you that although neither is perfect, if you have to deal with one or the other, you want to deal with LV.

 

[doctormike]

I have used a Suunto Vyper Air for a number of years now. I just bought a Shearwater Petrel for two reasons - will be starting tech training in the near future, and much easier on 51 year old eyes. The Petrel is an AWESOME computer (but the OP wants AI, so I guess it's out of consideration).

I also (like Drrich2) enjoy logging dives with MacDive, and I like tracking gas usage, so that's the only advantage of the Vyper over the Petrel.

I will say, though, that the wireless AI in my Vyper is extremely unreliable, and fails frequently, even when it tracks initially. I would never rely on it to monitor my gas, I have a brass and glass SPG for that.

 

[charlier]

I use a D6i with AI. Overall, I am happy with the Suunto. But OLED displays are really nice. In addition, as Dr. Mike commented, the AI is not as reliable I had hoped it might be. If you do decide to go with AI, consider purchasing a SPG (e.g., a compact brass model). If AI fails, you have a reliable back-up. It's my feeling that the Suunto display works best in areas with good visibility. FYI, I shine my dive light on the Suunto during night dives, even with great visibility.

 

[buddhasummer]

I have used a Suunto Vyper Air for a number of years now. I just bought a Shearwater Petrel for two reasons - will be starting tech training in the near future, and much easier on 51 year old eyes. The Petrel is an AWESOME computer (but the OP wants AI, so I guess it's out of consideration).

I also (like Drrich2) enjoy logging dives with MacDive, and I like tracking gas usage, so that's the only advantage of the Vyper over the Petrel.

I will say, though, that the wireless AI in my Vyper is extremely unreliable, and fails frequently, even when it tracks initially. I would never rely on it to monitor my gas, I have a brass and glass SPG for that.

It is my understanding that the Petrel can be used with MacDive although I could be wrong.

 

[doctormike]

It is my understanding that the Petrel can be used with MacDive although I could be wrong.

Yes, the Petrel works great with MacDive (bluetooth sync). But it doesn't have AI - I was commenting that I can't log gas usage with it, so that's why I still sync with the Vyper, which (theoretically) records pressure data.

 

[ProudNPrejudiced]

How reliable is the AI on the Lynx?

 

[Centrals]

How reliable is the AI on the Lynx?

There is always a risk!
But never an issue when I am using my ageing Uwatec Pro/Nitrox + BT + spg. I would have thought 2 basic computers + spg work out the same.

With US$700.00 to spend I can pick up two from the following with enough change for a spg.
Mares Puck, Cressi Leonardo, Hollis DG03, Sunnto Zoop.

Happy shopping

 

[rongoodman]

i would avoid both AI and Suunto. The OLED displays that Liquivision uses are wonderful. They're bright enough to follow a line out of a cave once your eyes have adjusted.